An outdoor TV antenna for rural areas can allow those living in rural areas to watch television without the cost of a monthly cable subscription.
Our tech expert advisor selected the top 5 outdoor antennas for rural areas, including our top pick, the Channel Master CM-5020 Long Range Outdoor HDTV Antenna, which stands out for its large reception range and ability to receive both digital TV and HDTV programming.
Be sure you’re also getting the best picture possible with the right HD TV.
Our Tech Expert’s Top 5 Outdoor TV Antennas for Rural Areas
Here are the top picks from our tech expert. Compare the ratings and features of different models.
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating | Range (miles) | Mount included | Motorized | # of TVs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Channel Master CM-5020 Long Range Outdoor HDTV Antenna | 100 | 1 | |||
| Best Budget Buy | PBD Outdoor Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna | 150 | 2 | |||
| Best Motorized Outdoor TV Antenna for Rural Areas | FiveStar Outdoor HD TV Antenna | 200 | 4 | |||
| Best 4K Outdoor TV Antenna for Rural Areas | McDuory Amplified Digital Outdoor HDTV Antenna | 150 | 2 | |||
| Best Long Range Outdoor TV Antenna for Rural Areas | Five Star Yagi Satellite HD TV Antenna | 200 | 4 |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy an Outdoor TV Antenna for Rural Areas
- Those in rural areas – If you live more than 60 miles from the nearest broadcast tower, it can be difficult to get a strong enough over-the-air signal for clear television.1 A larger antenna with a longer range can help you enjoy your favorite shows.
- Those surrounded by trees – Large trees can obstruct over-the-air signals, which is where having an antenna that is larger and with a longer range can come in handy.2
- Budget-conscious consumers – If you’re worried about the ongoing monthly fee of a cable or satellite subscription, an outdoor antenna lets you watch many of your favorite channels without the ongoing cost.3
Who Should Not Buy an Outdoor TV Antenna for Rural Areas
- Apartment renters – If you live in an apartment you might need permission from the landlord before you install an outdoor antenna.
- City slickers – Those in urban areas will have less distance between them and the nearest broadcast tower, so a heavy-duty antenna like the ones on this list will be overkill for their needs.
Research Tips (from an Expert)
Here are some tips and best practices to consider when purchasing an outdoor TV antenna for rural areas. Be sure to do adequate research on the product to look for key features, and ask your friends, family, or local electronics store if they have any recommendations on outdoor TV antennas for rural areas.
- Check the range – The further away you live from a signal source, the longer the range you’ll need from your antenna in order to get a quality signal. Some antennas offer 75-100 miles range, while the best of the bunch offer up to 200 miles.
- Look for mounting hardware – Look for a product that includes mounting hardware and a pole, otherwise, you’ll need to purchase it separately or fashion something yourself.
- Motorized adjustment is a big plus – Look for an outdoor TV antenna that offers motorized adjustment. This feature allows you to make adjustments to the direction of your antenna without climbing up on the roof.
- Consider how many TVs you have – Some antennas only allow for the connection of one TV, while others allow for two or even four. Consider how many televisions you want to hook up when comparing antenna models.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $50 and $150
For most outdoor TV antennas for rural areas, you can expect to pay between $50-$150 dollars and still get a quality product. Subscriptions for cable can run several hundreds of dollars per year, which makes the one-time investment in an antenna a smart option for budget-conscious TV viewers. The longer the range and the more TVs you can hook up to your antenna, the higher the price point. However, the best of the bunch will cost you upwards of $200.
The Best Outdoor TV Antennas for Rural Areas: Full Reviews
The Channel Master CM-5020 Long Range Outdoor HDTV Antenna boasts a 100 mile range and bandwidth of 54 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz. It has a turning radius of approximately 6 feet and comes complete with all required mounting hardware for ease of installation.
It is wind and weather-resistant for use in even the most challenging weather conditions and boasts a heavy-duty powder-coated steel construction for durability. The snap-out reflectors make for quick assembly on-site, while the high-performance F-type PCB balun ensures a quality connection.
- Range of 100 miles
- Mounting hardware included
- Designed to withstand extreme outdoor conditions
- Picks up VHF, UHF, FM and HD signals
- Heavy and bulky to install
- Some reviewers felt the install wasn’t intuitive
The PBD Outdoor Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna is a solid choice for those looking for an outdoor TV antenna for rural areas that won’t break the bank. It boasts a range of 150 miles and offers motorized 360-degree rotation.
This antenna supports 4K HD signals and the installation of up to two televisions without the need for a splitter. It comes complete with a wireless remote control for ease of tuning, as well as 59 feet of RG6 coaxial cable.
- Range of 150 miles with motorized 360-degree rotation
- Lightning protection
- Includes 59 feet of RG6 coaxial cable
- Snap-on installation
- Full HD 1080P
- Mounting pole not included
- Some reviewers were disappointed in plastic components
The FiveStar Outdoor HD TV Antenna is a great option for those looking for the convenient tuning feature of a motorized outdoor TV antenna. It boasts a range of up to 200 miles and comes with an infrared remote control for ease of operation. It includes two extra UHF elements to help improve channel reception and image quality.
This antenna comes complete with a J-pole and all required mounting hardware for ease of installation and features a built-in super low noise amplifier to help remove interference from the 4G network.
- Range of 200 miles
- Motorized 360-degree rotation
- Built-in super low noise amplifier
- Includes a 4-way splitter
- Mount pole is only 20 inches
- Some reviewers had issues with the 360-degree rotation
The McDuory Amplified Digital Outdoor HDTV Antenna is a good choice for those wanting to get the best signal possible and to future-proof their over-the-air TV viewing. It boasts a range of up to 150 miles and features a motorized rotator (with infrared remote control) for ease of tuning.
This antenna supports up to two televisions without the need for a splitter and features easy-to-follow tool-free installation. It comes complete with 40 feet of outdoor TV antenna coaxial cable for ease of setup.
- Range of 150 miles
- Includes 40 feet of outdoor TV antenna coaxial cable
- Supports up to two televisions
- Lightning protection for severe weather conditions
- Mounting pole not included
- Some reviewers had issues with the rotation
The Five Star Yagi Satellite HD TV Antenna boasts a built-in high-performance amplifier that helps to enhance HD signal reception and offers a range of up to 200 miles. It comes complete with a J-pole and all required mounting hardware for ease of installation. It receives 4K, 1080P, 1080i, and 720p HD channels.
This antenna can pick up VHF and UHF channels thanks to the upgraded smart chip and boasts a weather-proof design with lightning protection. It comes complete with 40 feet of coaxial cable, as well as a 4-way splitter.
- Range of 200 miles
- Mounting hardware included
- Upgraded smart chip
- Lightning protection
- Includes coaxial cable and splitter
- Some reviewers had difficulty getting the full range
- Those who needed tech support found it lacking
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get better TV reception in rural areas?
Do digital TV antennas work in rural areas?
Are indoor antennas as good as outdoors?
Do trees affect antenna signal?
Article Sources
Home Life Daily uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Antennas Direct. Transmitter Locator. Antennasdirect.com. Accessed October 6, 2021.
- TH Trees Limited. Do Trees Block Satellite & TV Signals & what can I do About it? Thtreeservices.co.uk. Accessed October 6, 2021.
- McMullen L. How Much Is Cable per Month? Nerdwallet.com. Published May 17, 2021. Accessed October 6, 2021.
